Paul Dybdahl

Many years ago I heard the story of a man who walked across a dangerous waterfall on a tightrope. After he had made his successful crossing, the tightrope walker asked the cheering crowd, “Do you believe that I could walk back across the river carrying someone on my shoulders?” The crowd roared in affirmation. Yes, they believed he could. Then the man called out, “Who will be the volunteer to ride on my shoulders?” Suddenly, the shouts died away and the crowd grew strangely quiet.

Throughout the first eight chapters of Romans, Paul has repeatedly stressed the inclusiveness of the gospel. This emphasis is one that resonates with most of us. As tolerant, accepting, and open-minded readers of Paul’s letter, we rejoice in the announcement that the gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Rom 1:16). Paul’s proclamation that “righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (Rom 3:22) rings beautifully in our sensitive ears.